<img src="http://gallery.nitromater.com/files/6/5/M_Ashley.jpg" alt="M_Ashley" align="right"borders="0"/>
INDIANAPOLIS - Nothing gets a driver fired up more than almost having their best run of the weekend bumped from the qualified field. Such was the case for Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels driver Mike Ashley as he exhibited due patience and turned it into the ninth quickest run amongst a history-making POWERade NHRA Funny Car field.
The 2006 NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis marks the first full year for Ashley as a driver in the class. Tonight he looked like a seasoned veteran as he pulled out all the stops with a 4.737, 328.30. The two-time Pro Modified World Champion was less than .05 from the top qualifier.
"This was complete drama," Ashley said. "U.S. Nationals - Indianapolis - biggest race of the year and we were solidly in the field headed into the session and we just kept getting bumped back and bumped back.
"I watched John Force run ahead of us and send us down to the 16th spot. There were flames over the top of the car as we ran. Boom: best elapsed time and best speed. In fact, [crewchief] Brian Corradi wanted to go for the 4.60s but decided to back it down at the last minute."
Corradi knew he needed an aggressive shot the leaned more towards conservative just to get his driver in the field.
"He figured it might be our last shot at the track with these conditions," Ashley said. "I feel we can win. There's just a feeling around our team right now that we have a chance to win. That's a great feeling to have when you are at the U.S. Nationals."
Until tonight the quickest field in the 36-year history of the class was anchored with 4.802. Two more qualifying sessions remain.
Ashley entered that monumental final session on Saturday as the 13th quickest with a 4.802, 322.27. His run represented the third quickest of the session.
Qualifying in the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Drag Racing Series concludes on Sunday with the final two attempts at 12:45 and 4:10 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4.
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Knoll Gas Torco Race Fuels, the largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Knol Gas Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of additives is complimented by SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: http://www.torcoracingfuels.com/
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Oakley - http://www.oakley.com/
* Optima Aluminum Trailers - http://www.optimatrailers.com/
* Lend America - http://www.lendamerica.com/
* Impact Racing - http://www.impactraceproducts.com/
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - http://www.torco.com/
* SKULL Shine - http://www.torco.com/
* SKULL H2O - http://www.torco.com/
ASHLEY REACHES DEEP AND PULLS OUT A CAREER BEST EFFORT
INDIANAPOLIS - Nothing gets a driver fired up more than almost having their best run of the weekend bumped from the qualified field. Such was the case for Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels driver Mike Ashley as he exhibited due patience and turned it into the ninth quickest run amongst a history-making POWERade NHRA Funny Car field.
The 2006 NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis marks the first full year for Ashley as a driver in the class. Tonight he looked like a seasoned veteran as he pulled out all the stops with a 4.737, 328.30. The two-time Pro Modified World Champion was less than .05 from the top qualifier.
"This was complete drama," Ashley said. "U.S. Nationals - Indianapolis - biggest race of the year and we were solidly in the field headed into the session and we just kept getting bumped back and bumped back.
"I watched John Force run ahead of us and send us down to the 16th spot. There were flames over the top of the car as we ran. Boom: best elapsed time and best speed. In fact, [crewchief] Brian Corradi wanted to go for the 4.60s but decided to back it down at the last minute."
Corradi knew he needed an aggressive shot the leaned more towards conservative just to get his driver in the field.
"He figured it might be our last shot at the track with these conditions," Ashley said. "I feel we can win. There's just a feeling around our team right now that we have a chance to win. That's a great feeling to have when you are at the U.S. Nationals."
Until tonight the quickest field in the 36-year history of the class was anchored with 4.802. Two more qualifying sessions remain.
Ashley entered that monumental final session on Saturday as the 13th quickest with a 4.802, 322.27. His run represented the third quickest of the session.
Qualifying in the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Drag Racing Series concludes on Sunday with the final two attempts at 12:45 and 4:10 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4.
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Knoll Gas Torco Race Fuels, the largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Knol Gas Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of additives is complimented by SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: http://www.torcoracingfuels.com/
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Oakley - http://www.oakley.com/
* Optima Aluminum Trailers - http://www.optimatrailers.com/
* Lend America - http://www.lendamerica.com/
* Impact Racing - http://www.impactraceproducts.com/
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - http://www.torco.com/
* SKULL Shine - http://www.torco.com/
* SKULL H2O - http://www.torco.com/
